ukazovatel

Ukazovatel (Russian: указатель, указатель/указователь in transliteration) is a term used in Russian and other Slavic languages to denote an indicator, sign, or pointer. The word derives from the verb ukazat' “to indicate” and the suffixes that form a noun pointing to the function of showing or signaling something. In English, translations include indicator, sign, signpost, or pointer, depending on context.

The term has several common senses. A road or pathway sign that directs travelers is a typical usage, for example a directional ukazatel or road sign indicating the way to a town. In measuring instruments, a ukazovatel refers to the device that displays a value, such as a dial gauge or a gauge needle that points to a scale. In computing, a and in programming discussions the equivalent term is указатель (pointer), used to describe a variable that stores a memory address or a reference to another data object. In software and hardware dashboards, a ukazovatel can denote an indicator showing the status or level of a parameter, such as a progress indicator or a status light, though вдикатор (indicators) is also common in Russian technical language.

In usage, ukazovatel is typically defined by its function: to indicate, point to, or signal a state or value. The exact translation depends on context, with common equivalents including sign, indicator, or pointer. See also indicat or indicator-related terms in the respective domain (signage, instrumentation, or computer science).